Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Draco walked into a darkened room. Line against the walls were several Death Eaters staring omniously down at him, giving him the vision of tall, black statues. Behind him walked his father, trying to hide the pride that was eminating off him. He took his plave to the side of the room as Draco walked to the center. Draco knelt down and bowed his head (following his father's previous orders). As he sat there, from a dark corner came a large snake. It slithered up to him and he raised his head, face to face with the large serpent. It stared into his eyes, through his eyes, as though judging whether he was ready to join or not. Another figure came into view, red eyes glinting. Draco, acting only on instinct, and completely unaware of what he was supposed to do next, broke eye contact with the snake and bowed his head once more. The black figure began to speak, in a snake-like voice, what seemed to be an incantation, in Latin. The snake immediately attached its fangs to the forearm of Draco's left arm. Draco called ouit in pain, but controlled himself so that the only appearance of pain was in his red arm and tearing eyes. He felt the poison run through his viens, covering the length of his body in seconds. A few more phrases from Voldemort and the snake slowly pulled its poisonious teeth from Draco's arm, slithering back into the corner it came from. Draco's body became tight at the poison was absorbed into his blood, becoming one with him. When the pain bagain to subside, Draco looked at his forearm to asses the damage and saw, much to his astonishment, the Dark Mark. Above him, Voldemort began to speak to him.
"Rise, Draco, you are now my servant, and so have agreed to follow me and be loyal until your death." Draco shivered, but stood and addressed his new master.
"Thank you, my lord. But I have some news for you regarding Severus Snape."
Severus stalked down the halls of Hogwarts. As he walked, he was happy to note, the students backed out of his path, some even hiding in nearby rooms. He loved the fact that a simple glare could scare the wits out of students. Just then he felt pressure on his left wrist that suddenly escalated into blinding pain. He missed a step and a couple of the braver students giggled. Standing straight, and resisting the urge to grab his arm, he quickened his pace. About the time he reached the back doors, as they were the closest exit, his wrist felt as though it was on fire. He threw open the door and ran towards the forest, apparating the second he was far enough into the woods.
~~~
He appeared in a circle of Death Eaters. Standing in front of him was Voldemort...grinning? Severus bowed immediatley, kissing the man's robes. He then stood, his head bowed slightly.
"Severus, you have been loyal to me in all your years of service, that is no doubt, but are you still? Dumbledore has the power to corrupt men."
"I have always been loyal to you, my lord." He bowed to the man.
"Then you wouldn't mind a little test." He motioned to two Death Eaters, who moved aside to allow another two in. Each had the arm of a lady. Severus turned to Voldemort.
"Do you want me to kill her?" He heard a gasp from behind and a small, whispered, "Severus?" He whirled around to see Akima on the floor, blood running from her lip.
"No," Severus heard from behind him, "I want you to torture her. A few minutes of the Cruciatus Curse shoud suffice. As a reward, you can do what you want with her afterward." Several of the other Death Eaters laughed; but Severus ignored them. If he were told to kill her, he could easily cast a spell that gave all appearances of death, without the actually being dead, but there was no way around the Cruciatus Curse. He sighed, he would be discovered sooner or later, why not sooner? As he drew out his wand and pointed it at Akima,. he could feel Voldemort's eyes boring into him. He looked at Akima, trying to make her realize what he was about to do but she only looked back in amazing fear. He lifted his wand and sent a spell at her that was supposed to transport her into the forest. When it didn't work, he sent a sheilding charm over her, but it was a weak one because most of his energy he used in the first spell. Next he aimed a curse at the Death Eaters in front of him, but to his surprise, it didn't work either. He turned to Voldemort just in time to see him cast the Killing Curse at Akima. She fell to the floor amist a green light and lay, staring at the ceiling, her face twisted in horror. Severus turned away from the body and glared at Voldemort. The Death Eaters, sensing his anger, drew their wands and pointed them at him. Severus did not even acknowledge the many wands pointed at his heart, but he stood eye to eye with Voldemort, and uttered but three words.
"Long Live Dumbledore."
A/N: *smiles* I know, I know, that was a ver bad part to leave off at... *Ankha pops in*
Ankha: hehehe, it was fun, wasn't it?
A/N: *sighs* yes, I have to admit, cliffies such as this are great fun to post.
Ankha: *big grin* see, I told you!!!!
A/N: I guess this is a bad time to tell you I won't be able to post after the 16...or at least the 13. I will be loaded with work until then and am going to ban myself from writing. On the bright side, it will not take long at all for me to finish the next chapter, as most of it is already typed, or formulated. We are now reaching the climax of the story, and there are some interesting things to come!!!!!!
Thank you, all that reviewed! I would do replies, but I am a little sick right now, and anxious to get this chapter (actually I think it is a chapter-ette) up so that just ruins what little patience I have!